Bungaree

Bungaree (or Bongaree) was an Aboriginal man from the Broken Bay area who settled in Sydney in the 1790s. He became a well-known character around Sydney and is often protrayed in distinctive military clothes and hat.

Bungaree accompanied both Matthew Flinders and Phillip Parker King on voyages of discovery. Flinders was attracted to his 'good disposition and manly conduct', and Bungaree became an important crew member on the Norfolk as they sailed to Moreton and Hervey Bays in Queensland in 1799, and on the Investigator during Flinders' circumnavigation of Australia from 1801 - 1803.

Bungaree also sailed with Phillip Parker King to north western Australia where he proved very helpful in making contact with new tribes.

Bungaree, Late Chief of the Broken Bay Tribe, near Sidney [i.e. Sydney], 1836, by William Henry Fernyhough

Lithograph DL PX 47

Governor Macquarie conferred upon Bungaree the fictitious title of 'King' in an attempt to create for the Aborigines a leader with whom he could negotiate.

In 1815 Macquarie installed Bungaree and others from his tribe on a farm at George's Head in Sydney. However, the farm was not a success and the venture ultimately failed. Bungaree died in 1830 after a long illness.